Cook County warns homeowners about radon risks

The Cook County Department of Public Health is urging residents to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Month and is offering free test kits to suburban Cook County residents.

Cook County health officials are urging residents to test their homes for radon during January, which is Radon Action Month. The county department said radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up indoors without immediate symptoms. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and attributes about 21,000 deaths a year to the gas. The Cook County Department of Public Health reported it is providing free radon test kits to suburban Cook County residents. Key points: - The county announced residents should test homes for radon and that free test kits are available to those in suburban Cook County; residents elsewhere can obtain kits through the American Lung Association. - Radon is described as colorless and odorless and can accumulate in homes without causing immediate symptoms. - The U.S. EPA estimates radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., with about 21,000 related deaths annually. - The county said tests showing 4 picocuries per liter or higher warrant steps to reduce exposure, and levels between 2 and 4 picocuries per liter are also noted as deserving attention; officials said there are effective ways to lower indoor radon levels. Summary: Local officials emphasized that testing is the only way to know whether a home has elevated radon levels and that radon-related lung cancer is a long-term health concern. The county is distributing free kits in suburban Cook County; further county actions are undetermined at this time.